Girls going to slumber party hit by DUI suspect

Four teenage girls were injured this weekend after police say a drunken driver smashed into their car.

The teens were going to a slumber party in Everson, near Bellingham in Whatcom County, to celebrate the beginning of the summer break.

The car that hit them was driven by 28-year-old Justin Beld. KIRO 7 checked his criminal history and found previous charges for drugs and alcohol, including a DUI in 2007. He too ended up in the hospital and was still in a wheelchair when he came to court at 1 p.m. Monday afternoon.

All of the girls are 16 and 17, and two are still in the hospital. One had surgery on her broken arm Monday morning. Other injures include concussion, collapsed lungs and bruises.

A judge set Beld’s bail at $25,000. The prosecutor wanted his license taken away. But the judge said he is allowed to drive as long as the car he takes has an ignition interlock device, meaning it won’t start if he’s drunk.